Nov 27, 2013

09:04 AM

Weekend Planner: Nov. 27, 2013

With Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmastime in full swing, this long weekend is the perfect opportunity to embrace the holiday season with some quality family (fun) time.

Philly & the 'burbs

Donate to local food pantries while you shop. Head to the Plymouth Meeting Mall on Sun. and contribute to the giant menorah built from cans of food. This Hanukkah Extravaganzaalso features crafts, activities, music, latkes and a performance by Sideshow Dave.

This winter, the Piazza at Schmidts in Philadelphia is turning into an outdoor, pop-up ice rink launching Sat. To celebrate the grand opening of Skate at the Piazza, all are invited to skate for FREE from 6-9pm Mon. while enjoying a tree lighting ceremony, live caroling and photos with Santa.

If you're visiting family in Lancaster this weekend, take a journey to the North Pole and back with Yuletide at Wheatland. On the tour, opening Fri., you'll join "Clement C. Moore," author of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, on Christmas Eve to watch and interact with the story of what could have inspired the classic tale.

Delaware

Roast marshmallows, drink hot chocolate and meet Santa when you stroll through the festive woodland at 3 Palms Petting Zoo in Clayton as part of Zoo Lights & Christmas Nights, every Fri. and Sat. at 5pm beginning this weekend.

Get the kids in the holiday spirit with A Brandywine Christmas, opening Sat. at the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, PA, where they will be surrounded by a model-train display, antique dolls and thousands of "critter" ornaments hanging from towering trees.

A Longwood Christmas returns to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA, on Thurs. with a few new things added to the traditional display, like a floating tree display and a 12-foot fountain of lights.

South Jersey

Looking for the first snowflakes of the season? Take a Christmas "Light Show" Hayride at Johnson's Corner Farm in Medford and use a pair of 3D snowflake glasses that turn each light surrounding the wagon into a snowflake.

The magic and wonder of the holidays is on full display at the FREE Holiday Light Show in Historic Smithville, beginning Fri., as more than 100 Christmas trees float on Lake Meone, lighting up to beloved holiday music.

When Camden's Adventure Aquarium transforms into an underwater winter wonderland, the famous red suit will become a red bathing suit as Scuba Santa dons some new gear and dives into the Ocean Realm exhibit daily beginning Sun.

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